Career comparison
Health Information Technologist vs. Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Health information technologists earn more at the median ($68,020 vs. $51,140), while medical billing and coding specialists usually get to work faster (4–12 months of training). Health information technologists manage the health data that keeps patient records accurate and useful. Medical billing and coding specialists translate medical records into codes and claims so providers get paid correctly.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Health Information Technologist | Medical Billing and Coding Specialist | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $68,020 ($32.70/hr) | $51,140 ($24.59/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $39,830 – $117,420 | $37,000 – $81,150 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +15.9% (much faster than average) | +7.8% (much faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 3,000 | 14,000 |
| Typical entry education | Associate's degree | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Training time | 2 years | 4–12 months |
| Key credential | RHIT (AHIMA) | CPC (AAPC) |
| Work setting | Technologists work in hospitals, clinics, health systems and some remotely.. | Medical billers and coders work for hospitals, physician practices, billing companies, insurance companies and outsourcing firms. |
What each job does
Health Information Technologist
- Review health records for accuracy
- Manage electronic health record systems
- Analyze health data
- Protect patient privacy
- Release information legally
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
- Review physician notes, operative reports and other documentation
- Assign ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes and CPT/HCPCS procedure codes
- Apply modifiers and check codes against payer and NCCI edits
- Prepare and submit claims electronically through a clearinghouse
- Post payments and review explanations of benefits
How they’re similar
Both careers involve desk work, working with information, remote-friendly work, and in-demand. Both are part of the healthcare field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose health information technologist if…
- I like healthcare without patient care
- I’m detail-oriented
- I like data and computers
Choose medical billing and coding specialist if…
- I enjoy detailed, accurate work at a computer
- I want a healthcare job without patient contact
- I can stay focused and productive on my own
Still torn? Take the Health Information Technologist fit quiz and the Medical Billing and Coding Specialist fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, health information technologist or medical billing and coding specialist?
Health Information Technologists earn more at the median: $68,020 versus $51,140 for medical billing and coding specialists, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists typically train faster (4–12 months) than health information technologists (2 years).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects health information technologists to grow +15.9% from 2025–35, compared with +7.8% for medical billing and coding specialists.